We need an explosive back with some burst. Tough runner who is decisive in his cuts and reads and hits the hole hard. Excellent receiver out of the backfield as well.

Second pick if he is off the board....

Trade down and select Griffin from TEXAS.

For all of the talent that comes to the NFL via the University of Texas, the defensive backfield might be the Longhorns' most reliable and, apparently renewable, resource. The Longhorns have had eight defensive backs selected over the past 10 years, including four within the draft's top 50 picks. In strong safety Michael Griffin, Texas might have its best yet.

A contributor since signing with the team, Griffin entered this season as the starting free safety and with appearances in 37 games already. During that time the talented, aggressive and hard-hitting defensive back has posted 238 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, three sacks, four interceptions, 13 passes broken up, five forceded fumbles, five fumble recoveries and a Texas record six blocked punts. Griffin led the team in tackles in 2005 (124) and leds the Longhorns once again this season (101 through 11 games).

As Griffin's career numbers, reflect, however, it isn't just his ability to stop the ball carrier that has NFL scouts so enamored. Griffin has become one of the nation's most versatile defenders, racking up tackles, big plays and blocked punts in record fashion. This season Griffin blocked another two punts, placing him second in NCAA history and first among Longhorns.

ANALYSIS
Positives: Well-developed overall musculature … Impressive overall athleticism … Plays strong safety here, but athleticism, size and recognition appear better suited to free safety role at the next level … Reads the action quickly … Rarely out of position against the pass … Can cover ground quickly, showing pure speed and a quick hip swivel … Can plant and drive on the ball … Effective tackler in space … Understands his role as one of the last lines of defense and takes proper angles to the ball … Rare leaping ability as shown in his school-record eight blocked punts … Good hands to make the interception … Uses his size and leaping ability well to compete for the ball.

Negatives: Despite his gaudy statistics and prototype size, Griffin isn't the classic run supporting in-the-box safety … Flashes as a striker, but doesn't punish receivers across the middle … Considered reliable, but not an intimidator … Plays strong safety here, but seems much better suited to free safety at next level due to his strength being pass defense, weakness being against the run … Might lack the versatility some teams are looking for in a safety.